It was such a beautiful day here in southeastern Massachusetts.

We all enjoyed being outside most of the day.

We started on the soccer field, followed by a nice mexican lunch with my Mom and Dad, then my husband Michael took the girls on the boat fishing while I played with my new gift.

Yes, my new gift that my sweet, romantic husband gave me for Mother’s Day.

So, my morning started with this…

Then a tear-jerker card and a surprise gift…

Whoop Whoop!!

A NEW POWER DRILL!

I was thrilled.

We have talked about getting this drill.

The one we have is old, heavy, doesn’t hold a charge much and just plain stinks.

This is the perfect gift for me, who needs more jewelry anyway  ??

I was SO appreciative and touched that he bought me a tool.  It speaks volumes like ” I get you honey, I appreciate and accept that you want to make things so here you go…go nuts! “ 

Recently I transformed this ugly, worn play structure into a “treehouse” type house for our girls.

I haven’t posted about our treehouse yet because it was a BIG project and I was tired, not to mention it’s been so darn windy and hard to get good pictures, but I will soon.

Anyway, here is what our play structure looked like before I removed all of the wooden sides…

I thought I would use some of this wood on the treehouse, but it turned out that I didn’t need it, so it’s been sitting in a pile just waiting for a project.

And after getting my new lithium power drill I was just itchin’ to make something.

I decided to make a pretty simple, reclaimed potting bench.

I didn’t take pictures along the way, just before and after.

Here is what I stared with…

I quickly looked online for idea’s…via Pinterest and Ana White.

I took design idea’s here and there, but mostly I just winged it and here is how it came out…

I stained and dry brushed here and there, it’s a potting bench so I didn’t take too long on this part…

BTW, my new drill ???

A-Mazing!!!!

Seriously, if you are in the market for a new power drill, this beauty is SO powerful, light-weight and so easy to work with.

When Michael tried it he was like “wow, it’s like butter”

I added some wooden plant stakes to the back of the bench to act as “lattice”, then added a few old nails to hang tools, etc. on.

I also made a distressed “Bloom where you are planted” sign just to add some inspiration.

I am very pleased with how it all turned out.

Thanks for stopping by.

~~~~~~~

Especially my beautiful, loving Mom Judy.

Thank you Mom, for always putting our family first…

(oh, and I forgive you for my awful haircut)

For teaching me to love and appreciate my big sisters and anything handmade…

(mom made our dresses)

For always accepting me for who I am, letting me know that I’m not alone, even during my thumb-sucking days…

For bringing me to church, teaching me about GOD and how important having FAITH is in your life…

For your unwavering guidance, love and support.

For showing me that being silly and fun-loving is good for the soul…

For being such a good sport, even when it involves dressing up…

For teaching me to keep the peace…

For being such an amazing Mammy to our three children, they just ADORE their special Mam.

Teaching me to love all of GOD’s creatures…

For loving your girls to the moon and back…

For setting the bar high, exemplifying a love like no other…

For your friendship and our daily chats…

Through your example, I pray that I too can continue to be a dedicated, loving wife to my husband for many, many years…

And a Mom my children can admire and be proud of…

Thank you for all you have given to me Mom.

For all of the years of guidance, selflessness and sacrifices.

I appreciate you so much Mom, you are a blessing.

You are SO loved.

I truly hope you feel it.

Happy Mother’s Day.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Such a tragedy.

So close to home.

My husband and I had all intensions of taking our three children to Boston on Monday, like we have done in the past to watch the runners of the 117 Boston Marathon.

It was a beautiful day however, Michael got caught up with work and we were unable to go.

So instead, the kids and I went for an ice cream and got some herbs and flowers and spent a good part of our day working and playing in our yard.

We were all in good spirits, especially considering it was such a nice day and it was also the fist official day of Spring break.

Around 4:15 or so, I came indoors and clicked on the television to see who was scheduled to be on Ellen.

To my surprise and astonishment, what I saw instead were horrific images and video footage of what transpired just a little bit earlier that day at the Marathon.

In Boston.

I was stunned and ran into Michael’s office to confirm that what I was seeing was real.

Michael was on the phone, but he must have seen the questionable look on my face, because he just looked at me in disbelief…nodding“yes”.

Words cannot describe how awful and tragic this is.

Just senseless, heanous and cowardly.

Scary and so, so sad.

Another tragedy in the US.

Another heart-wrenching event that our children will know about and that we, as parents will have to try and find the words to explain to them the unexplainable.

WHY ?!?

I found this saying via Facebook and found it so fitting to share with our children, especially during such scaring times as this.

My heart breaks for all of those affected, the victims, their families and loved ones.

I praise all of those heroic people who stepped up to help those in need.

I pray for everyone involved, those injured, killed, the hero’s, including the first responders, the police, fire department, the Dr’s and all of the medical staff who are caring for the injured.

I pray for all those who are trying to piece together the events of the day, to find the person(s) who were responsible and hold them accountable.

Until then, all we can do is pray and hold our loved ones just a little closer.

~~~~~~~

]]> http://blog.stitchawishdesigns.com/2013/04/praying-for-boston/feed/ 0 http://blog.stitchawishdesigns.com/2013/04/diy-framed-bathroom-mirror/ http://blog.stitchawishdesigns.com/2013/04/diy-framed-bathroom-mirror/#comments Tue, 02 Apr 2013 20:25:41 +0000 Michelle http://blog.stitchawishdesigns.com/?p=7168 read more »]]> I hope you all had a wonderful Easter.

I have been pretty busy with my family and haven’t been doing much on my blog lately, but I will be posting pics from the weekend.

But first, I’m excited to share another DIY project with you.

As a matter of fact, I’m kinda thrilled with how it turned out.

It wasn’t that labor intensive and can be done alone, although an extra set of hands would definitely be helpful.

Have I mentioned before that I sometimes get impulsive spurts of DIY energy where I just “need” to start a project NOW, so planning and/or asking for help doesn’t always work out ??

So I did this project myself.

Sooo…would that be considered a DIM project ??

 { yuck, yuck, yuck… }

I framed the large frameless mirror in our first floor bathroom.

Yesterday.

 I didn’t hate the mirror, I actually liked the beveled edges, but I didn’t love the frameless look, so I decided to fix that.

I wanted it to be simple, no angle cuts because although I have done angled cuts before, it’s definitely harder for me to figure out and get a precise fit.

I’ve wasted wood in the past trying to cut angles, so I know my limits.

I wanted this frame to be beachy and casual, not ornate or fancy-shmancy.

( I like fancy-shmancy, it’s just not me.  I’m more of the casual, kind of girl.  More like Jello vs. Creme Brûlée, to use Julia Roberts metaphor in my Best Friends Wedding )

Anyway, have you heard of MirrorMate ??  They have gorgeous mirror frames and I would have gone that route, but I’m a DIY-kinda-gal and I get so much satisfaction out of making things myself, especially when it comes to our home.

Plus, they are pretty pricey if I’m being completely honest.

My frame wasn’t expensive at all, rather cheap-o at only about $30 for supplies!

I had some things on hand like the nails, primer and paint, so that helped cut my costs.

So  how did I do it ??

Funny you should ask, I just so happen to have a brief tutorial on how I made my framed bathroom mirror.

So to get started, I measured the mirror, it measured 5′ x 4′.

I’ve been looking around Pinterest and on other DIY blogs for ideas, so I basically had a good understanding on how to go about this project.

Gotta love when people share huh ?!?

I made a shopping list…

 Next I headed over to the Bargain Outlet store and picked out the pine boards, crown molding and a tube of silicone sealant adhesive.

I measured and marked one piece of 1″x3″ and one piece of 1″ x 4″ at the 5′ point.

These pieces are for the top and bottom part of my frame, with the wider 1″x4″ being the top.

Using my chop saw, I carefully cut both pieces then brought them inside to make sure they fit in place…they did.

I decided I wanted a smaller piece of trim to go in between the horizontal and vertical pieces of my frame, which was NOT on my original shopping list, so off to Lowes I went.

I had NO idea what this little piece of trim is called, so I just looked for something I was picturing and chose that…it was a 10′ piece of “stop” trim, which was perfect because I needed (2) 5′ pieces.

Back home to mark and cut my stop trim.

With the bottom and top pieces in place, I measured the opening for my vertical frame pieces.

Marked and cut.

I did have to make a few little trims here and there to make everything fit, but nothing too major.

See the piece of stop trim ?? I think it adds so much to the frame.  Kind of like a little shelf.

Not sure if you can see how uneven our ceiling is in the picture below ??

It is…quite a bit actually, but I figured the crown piece would help hide that in the end.

I suppose I could have cut one side of my frame shorter, but then the entire frame would be un-level and that would just bug me.

So I kept going…

Time to prime and paint all of my frame pieces.

I painted the backs as well, as some of the back will show in the reflection of the mirror, but I didn’t do it perfectly.

Using wood glue, I glued then nailed the stop piece to the top and bottom frame pieces using 1″ finished nails.

I did push the nails into the wood and filled each one with wood putty, so you would never see where the nails are.

( I didn’t take any pics of this step )

After all of the paint was dry, it was time to attach my wooden frame pieces to the mirror.

Yikes !!

Working from the bottom up, I added silicone adhesive to the back of the bottom piece of frame, making sure I didn’t use too much to avoid any adhesive oozing out onto the mirror or wall.

Then I held it in place for a few minutes.

I was amazed at the strength of this stuff, the wood wouldn’t budge after just a few minutes !

Next, I added the two sides.

Then moving on up to the top.

I had already attached the stop trim to the upper frame piece, but I didn’t add the crown.

I wanted to wait until the frame was completely installed before figuring out how to try and disguise the uneven ceiling issue.

When I held the crown piece flush to the ceiling, it made one side of the frame look SO lopsided.

I decided that exposing a little bit of the uneven ceiling was better than an un-level frame, so I added the crown a few inches from the top of the ceiling, adjusting each side to be level with the rest of the frame.

And that was that.

Maybe this wasn’t the best way to do this, and perhaps there are better ways of working with uneven ceilings, but I work with what I have and I’m okay with how it looks.

You can betcha that anytime someone sees it, I WILL point it out though.

( just like my Dad )

I do have to caulk any gaps and touch up some of the paint, but I am super pleased with the transformation.

What a BIG difference.

It’s hard getting a good crisp picture in this bathroom because of the recessed lights and the lack of natural sunlight.

 What do you think ??

This is the even bigger frameless mirror in our master bathroom.

Are you thinking what I’m thinking ?!?

Enjoy your day !

~~~~~~~~

Linking up here 

As a matter of fact, one of my best friends who lived across the street from me had one very similar.

Her sister did too, as they shared a bedroom. Every time I went into their bedroom, I remember how much I just loved their pretty beds, they were like beds made for a Princess.

Now don’t get me wrong, my parents provided everything my two sisters and I ever needed and more, but we already had a bedroom set, and I would never have asked them to replace it.

But I could still dream about having one someday.

My husband and I have slept in canopy-type beds before.

The first time was 2001 at the Bali, Indonesia at Jimbaran Bay.

This place was incredible and is actually the place where my husband “popped the question”.

And more recently in February at the amazing Jade Mountain in St. Lucia….

What a beautiful resort indeed.

These canopy beds are just SO romantic right ?!?

So inviting, they make me want to crawl right on in and sleep like a baby.

I’ve pinned a bunch on Pinterest, dedicating a whole board to canopy love.

Well, since returning from our trip to St. Lucia, I’ve been scouring the internet for bed canopies that would work in our room, without having to buy a new bed.

Originally, I thought maybe attaching a canopy to the ceiling fan above our bed and draping the fabric around our bed like this…

But I didn’t LOVE the idea and knew we would probably get annoyed with all of that loose fabric.

Then I came across this idea of attaching drapery rods to the ceiling and adding fabric, like these….

Just so pretty.

However, our bedroom ceilings are 15′ high so attaching the rods and buying all of that fabric…yikes! That would be very challenging and very pricey.

Because I couldn’t find anything online that I thought would work, I started thinking of ways to make our existing bed into a canopy bed.

Our bed is about 12 years old, but structurally super solid. We bought it at Pottery Barn.

The other day while I was getting dressed, I unscrewed one of the finial balls that attaches to our set.

Without the finial in place, the surface was perfectly flat.

Hmmmm….my wheels started turning.

I measured the post, it was 4″ square.

I thought if I could find 3″ or 4″ square wood, I could figure something out.

So off to Lowes I went to see what I could find.

I learned that they don’t carry 3″ square lumber, only 4″ square.

I also learned that 4″ square lumber is really 3.5″ square.

Um…why ?!?

Anyway, I was confused and without a plan, I decided to hold off on buying anything.

When I got home, it hit me…why not check out Ana White’s website ??

I don’t know why I hadn’t thought of that before going to Lowes but I started searching her site.

If you don’t know Ana White { but I’m guessing you do }, her woodworking skills, beautiful designs and ideas are just amazing and she does all of the plans for you, including shopping lists.

She’s my hero.

Guess what?? Ana had plans for a canopy bed top to attach to her Farmhouse Bed plans.

Oh, it gets better! Her farmhouse bed looked very similar to our Pottery Barn bed !!

Yippee!!

I finally had a visual, the knowledge (well, at least the plans) and the courage to give it a try.

I was SOOO excited, I got measuring, made my shopping list and back to Lowes I went.

Ana’s plans were for 83″ height canopy, but since our ceilings are so high and I didn’t feel like moving all of the pictures above our bed, I decided to make mine 87″.

Here plans are also for a Queen size bed, ours is a California King so I had to factor that in.

I altered the shopping list a bit from Ana’s since I only needed (3) 4″x4″ pieces of wood.

Here is how I figured out what I needed and how to cut my (4) posts.

My headboard is 46″, my footboard is 20″

To get the desired 87″ I needed (2) posts cut to 41″ and (2) posts cut to 67″

Because the 4″x4″ ‘s are 8 feet long (97″), I only need (1) piece for both of my headboard posts (41″ each = 82″ total), but (2) for my footboard posts.

Following ??

I also got (4) 2″x4″

1.5″ screws

3″ screws

(4) 6″ hanger bolts ( I made sure they were the same size as my finial bolts so I wouldn’t have to drill another hole )

Angle brackets (per Ana’s suggestion)

I was so excited and measured and cut my posts.

Next I sanded them and primed each one.

It was getting late so I decided to call it a night, and I picked up where I left off the following morning.

I re-sanded any rough spots.

Next, I added a 6″ hanger bolts to each post.

( didn’t take pics, sorry )

Then attached each post into the existing spot where my finials were on both my headboard and footboard.

Next I added my 2″x4″ ‘s

{ It is very important to use a level for this entire process, you don’t want to end up with a crooked bed after all of your hard work }

Next I added my sides.

After the bed was assembled, I painted the entire canopy using a bright white Pantone paint that matched our bed.

I would have preferred a slightly more creamy white but I was exhausted and didn’t feel like painting the entire bed as well.

I was SO extremely excited as my canopy was starting to come alive.

And honestly, I was a bit proud of myself for pulling this off.

It’s not perfect, there are some gaps here and there where the 2″x4″ ‘s meet, but they don’t bother me a bit.

It’s structurally strong, so I’m not afraid it will fall on us during the night.

{ that would just crush all of my dreams turning my fairytale into a nighmare }

I added some ribbon ties to a set of sheer panels I had made a few years ago, followed by a long lace swag piece I lied over the the top.

Here is the finished product….

Here’s a before from a different angle…

{ anyone recognize those drapes ?? hint: Miss Mustard Seed  }

and now…

Drapey, feminine and romantic

Exactly the look and feel I wanted.

Of course no project of mine is complete without a little “element of surprise”.

Yup, I surprised my husband Michael yet again, who was away on a business trip while I did all of this.

He absolutely loves it.

whew

Oh, I almost forgot.

The cost ???

Only $60 !

Really!

Michael and I decided that it would be nice to have the ability to enclose the whole bed if we choose, kind of like the beds we slept in during our trips.

So last night I ordered these (2) 4 post bed canopies on Amazon.

$34

$29

I figured we could see which one we like better and return the other.

So much easier than me trying to make one myself and a WHOLE lot less expensive than purchasing all of the fabric I would need.

Who knows, maybe we’ll return both and just keep what we have, but it’s nice to have options.

{ Thank you Ana White. I just love your site, your work and generosity in sharing all you do. You are such an inspiration to me. I ordered your book today and cannot wait to dig into it. }

~~~~~~~

So the moral of this blog post story…

At 44 years old, I now have my very own Princess canopy bed, however I feel like “Queen” is more fitting at my age.

My best friend doesn’t live across the street anymore, rather he shares this bed right along side me.

He also happens to be the King.

…..and they lived happily ever after….

~~~~~~~~~~

Linking up at Miss Mustard Seed’s Furniture Feature Friday.

Michael and I went away a few weeks ago without our children.

It wasn’t like we didn’t want to take the kids, rather it was a work incentive trip for adults, not families.

Truth be told…it really is nice to be a couple once in a great while.

We had an amazing time, but leaving our children is SO hard for me.

I always get weepy and emotional and worrisome.

EVERY time.

As, I’m sure most Mom’s do.

So to help myself feel better, I typically either write letters to our children, or journal my feelings.

This particular trip, I just randomly started writing “words of wisdom” or “advice” for our children.

Things that we value and believe are important for a happy and healthy life.

As I was writing, my husband Michael leaned over and asked me what I doing.

When I told him ( a bit embarrassed at my emotional state ) he smiled at me, reached for my hand giving it a gentle squeeze, then voluntarily joined in.

We truly love our children and feel so much gratitude that GOD has blessed US with these three amazing kids to love and to care for.

To raise them to be good people...people of GOD.

We’ve gone through our list with the kids several times since returning home from our trip.

We’ve even given them examples to help them better understand what we are talking about.

They just love when we lay with them at bedtime, telling them stories past and present, so going through the list with them at bedtime was fitting.

When my eldest daughter told me that she remembered something from our list which made her think at school, my heart was so full of pride.  At that very moment I realized WOW, they really are listening !

So, here’s the list.  It’s definitely a work in progress, as I know we could and will add to it daily.

~~~~~~~~

- Use kindness everyday

-  Share, I know it’s hard sometimes but it’s good.

- Lend a hand, ask “can I help you ?”

- Pick up after yourself – your mother won’t always be there to do it.

- Help your mother.

- Chores create character.

- Wash your hands – with soap – always !

- Don’t put your hands in your mouth.

- Personal hygiene and cleanliness is essential.

- As well as brushing your hair.

- Use your manners – please and thank you at minimum.

- Brush your teeth – minimum 2 times a day.

- Get regular cleanings at the Dentist.

- Give back – as in help others without expecting anything in return.

- Show respect for your home, your family and for people in general.

- Look for the good in everyone and you’ll find it.

- Trust.

- Be a good listener.

- Be a good friend.

- Be honest and tell the truth.

- Pray everyday, not for things you want, but for those you love and for those who need prayers.

- Always wear sunscreen SPF 30+
(and reapply regularly).

- Eat healthy.

- Exercise and care for your body.  Exercise to be healthy, not to be “jacked” or “skinny”.

- Smile. Everyday. It really will make you happier.

- Be positive and try to see a silver lining to any situation.

- It’s okay to cry.

- Gratitude = happiness.

- Count your blessings.

- Always, always, always wear your seatbelt !

- Be careful what you put on the Internet – it’s there forever.

- Wear a belt – no one cares what underwear you’re wearing, and it’s rude.

- Sing even if you don’t know the words or the tune.

- Sing in your “real voice”, it’s lovely.

- Write poems, silly songs, rhymes, raps – your kids may think your cool.

- It’s okay to be silly, just as long as you know when not to be.

- Laughter is good for the soul.

- It’s okay to follow trends, but add your own flair – why be like everyone else ? It’s okay to be different.

- Treat others as you would like to be treated, or better.

- It’s okay and humbling to admit when you’re wrong.

- Say “I’m sorry” and mean it.

- Never say anything behind a LCD screen that you wouldn’t say to their face.

- Be yourself, your pretty special.

- It truly is what’s inside that counts.

- Follow what your heart tells you, but also listen to your head and use your smarts.

- Take lots of pictures – start a journal, blog, etc to remember.

- Drink lots if water.

- Acne happens and it will go away, promise.

- Embrace change, it’s not always easy, but new beginnings are exciting !

- Love yourself.

- Never be too afraid to try.

- You ARE so smart.

- Don’t be embarrassed of your parents, they will ALWAYS be your biggest fans.

- You are handsome.

- You are beautiful.

- If it feels wrong, don’t do it. Never give in to peer pressure.

- Get routine physicals – girls, once you become a teenager, these appointments may get a little “uncomfortable”, but trust me, they could save your life so you just have to deal. After 40 mammograms (yup, when they squish your boobies, but again it could save your life, so again…deal).

- Be assertive and ask for what you want.

- Trust your instincts.

- Take risks but make them thoughtful, as they lead to opportunity.

- Never do anything to follow the crowd when it can put you in danger.

- Never allow anyone to photograph or video you without your (and your parents) permission.

- Never allow anyone to touch you in anyway, especially when alone.

- You can and should always feel comfortable telling your parents ANYTHING – even if you think you’ll get in trouble. They will more often help make you feel better.

- Never be afraid to ask your parents anything.

- Once you commit to something, always follow through giving it your best effort (in other words….don’t be a quitter)

- Be a good sport, not a sore sport.

- Don’t believe everything you hear or read – check the sources.

- Be a leader – not a follower

- Ask for forgiveness

- Forgive

- Believe in miracles

- Say your prayers.

~~~~~~~

]]> http://blog.stitchawishdesigns.com/2013/03/words-of-wisdom-for-our-children/feed/ 0 http://blog.stitchawishdesigns.com/2013/03/beach-sign-from-beach-wood/ http://blog.stitchawishdesigns.com/2013/03/beach-sign-from-beach-wood/#comments Wed, 13 Mar 2013 13:00:24 +0000 Michelle http://blog.stitchawishdesigns.com/?p=7057 read more »]]> A couple of weeks ago, my husband and I took our kids down to my parents house for the day.

We had lunch, walked the beach and of course laughed most of the time.

We always have so much fun with my parents, and the kids just ADORE their Mammy & Papa.

So while walking the beach, the girls used their metal detectors in hopes to find some buried treasures.

I was more interested in the treasures on the surface of the beach, like heart-shaped rocks, sea glass and drift wood.

As a matter of fact, I found a bunch of wood, like planks of wood that had been washed up, weathered, beaten up, some with nails, screws and bolts.

I was thrilled!

After collecting a small pile of this wood, my Dad helped me lug my treasures to my SUV.

I was filled with ideas of what I would do with this wood.

The girls didn’t find too many treasures, but they had a ball anyway.

It was just nice to get outside and breathe in the fresh ocean air.

…..and spend a lazy Sunday afternoon with family.

I decided my first project would be to make a “weathered looking” beach sign for my parents for their newly renovated bathroom.

I didn’t take pics of the process, but did take one of the wood straight from the beach.

This sign took me 2 try’s.

I used my Cricut to letter the first sign, but the fonts weren’t working for me.

I repainted over the letters and did it “old school” using carbon paper .  This is my favorite way to transfer words onto wood.

I think it looks much more “hand-painted” than when using the Cricut.

Just my opinion.

So here is the sign at our house, just before I gave it to my parents….

I layered the paint; using a pretty yellow and turquoise.

I used black and white paint for the lettering…

My parents really loved their beach sign, which made me smile.

Hoping soon, we can actually be on that beach again, barefooted with a big floppy sun hat.

Hey, a girl can dream.

~~~~~~~~

First, we have had a Blizzard here in the NorthEast and were hit pretty hard.

Then more snow…and yet, more snow today.

Oh, and another snow day for the kids…ugh.

Not that I mind having them home, I love it actually, but I don’t want it to interfere with our summer.

I don’t mind the snow either, but I am just over it and SO ready for some sunshine.

Another reason I haven’t been blogging much lately is my husband Michael and I went to St. Lucia two weeks ago.

Yes, I do realize how fortunate I am to have been able to visit such a beautiful Island.

We had never been to the Caribbean before, and the warm, sunny weather felt so amazing.

Reminded me of how much I just adore the freedom, warmth and glory days of summer.

I wrote this today as I was daydreaming of warmer days…

 P.S. This is me in the chair, it was taken the first day of full-day school for all three of our children.

Michael and I decided to soak up the last warm days of late summer.

- September 2010

~~~~~

Wow, double digits !

You have been so excited for this birthday, although composed like a young lady…not overly giddy, like a little girl.

I, on the other hand have been secretly hoping that time would slow down….just a little bit.

Of course, I am also very excited to celebrate a day just for YOU with our family, but I guess I look at birthday’s a little differently since becoming a Mother.

You see, as a Mom, it’s sometimes hard to let go.

When I say let go, I’m referring to letting go of the fact that you aren’t a baby anymore…you, my dear, are becoming an amazing young lady !

With growing up, comes independence.   And as much as I want you to be more independent, it’s hard for me to learn how to slowly give that to you.

I promise, you will understand what I’m talking about someday when you become a Mom…really.

It seems like yesterday when I would hold you in my arms and sing to you while doing squats.

You loved the motion, so I would keep doing them until my leg muscles burned and you were finally fast asleep, sweaty against my chest, ready to be moved into to your crib.

You never did like to be separated from me, since the day you came home from the hospital.

Your brother wasn’t like this, so it wasn’t something I expected, or something that I expected to last all day, everyday.

As much as I loved always holding you, it was certainly hard to find a moment to do much else, but the the housework could wait and the laundry could pile up.

I had my first baby daughter and I was overjoyed.

Looking back, I am happy you were fiercely vocal about not wanting to be put down, as I cherish “our moments”…I always will.

So 10 years have passed and I can’t even believe it.

Gone are the days of dressing like a Princess, tiaras and fairy wands.

They’ve been replaced with “Mom, can you do my hair” and “do you know where my skinny jeans are ??”

And it’s all good and exciting, and I am so proud of the young lady you are becoming.

I’m learning to let go a little.

You are such a wonderful daughter and I love that you still reach for my hand and hold it so contently, even in front of your friends.

And your unexpected hugs always warm my heart.

You are a special, sweet, smart, caring, lovely, kind-hearted young lady and Daddy and I are so very proud of you.

So happy 10th birthday Elle Michaela, I am so very blessed and happy to be your Mama.

I love you now and always.

xoxo.

~~~~~~~~~~

I made this sign for Elle for her bedroom…hoping she believes what it says each time she reads it.

 Elle, through the years….

Hope you are surrounded by those you love dearly today.

I wanted to share the cute Valentine gifts my daughters and I put together for their teachers.

These gifts were honey inspired, as I bought a few small jars of locally made honey from a friend  and a few “bee” items I found at Michaels.

I figured the honey is sweet like candy, yet “a tad bit more sophisticated Dahling”

(in my best British accent).

So here’s what we put together for the teachers.

Pretty, pink, dainty, sweet and Valentine-y.

Just the look we were going for.

Here’s how we assembled these gifts.

We started with some pretty teacups and saucers I had tucked away, I thought they would be a pretty accompaniment with the honey.

Then shredded some pink paper with my handy-dandy, plastic, hand-shredder (that works like a charm btw), and placed a small handful into each teacup.

Next, we added our honey jars.

We sprinkled some “xoxo” pink confetti onto each saucer, then wrapped the whole thing with clear cellophane.

I found some cute little wooden honey sticks at the Mill Store, so we tied one to each gift with a pink ribbon.

Our gift wasn’t complete without a pretty tag, so we made up a cute rhyme:

“Here’s a little honey for your tea, for a teacher who’s so kind and as sweet as can bee’”

(silly ?? maybe, but I think it’s cute, the girls did too )

I found some cute bumble bee stickers and bookmarks at Michaels, and put them into a separate clear cellophane bag.

(they were too big to put into the teacups)

Then added this little wooden happ-bee guy…

The girls were excited to bring their gifts into school today to give to their teachers.

I just love that they still love bringing their teachers gifts without being embarrassed…

hope it lasts forever.

Have a wonderful day.

xoxo

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